About Dr. Melissa May
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Hello! My name is Melissa, and I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy, recreational runner, gym enthusiast, Certified Functional Nutrition Informed Professional (CFNIP) and founder of Elevate Performance and Physical Therapy!
I have worked in a traditional outpatient physical therapy clinic where I treated patients with sprains, muscle strains, tendonitis, bursitis, and post-op rehab in addition to post-stroke, balance, and Parkinson's disease.​ However through my continuing education, I gained a better appreciation for overall wellness including psychosocial components of pain, nutrition, sleep, and overall wellness.
In my practice, I want to empower and educate my clients to learn to move better and pain free to optimize performance and function - I want to get you back to doing what you love or teach you the best ways to avoid injuries in the future!
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I also want to help you catch your injuries early or before they even happen. We've all had those nagging aches and pains or a new twinge that we don't know if we should be concerned about. ​My philosophy is any ache or pain should be screened by a healthcare practitioner (like me!) before it gets worse. That's why I offer free 15 minute consultations where we can go over your symptoms and whether or not physical therapy is right for you.
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Education
2019-2022
Doctorate of Physical Therapy
Chapman University
Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Chapman University, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
2014-2018
Bachelor's of Science
University of California, Davis
Bachelor's of Science in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior with an emphasis on human and mammalian neurology and systemic physiology.
Benefits of Physical Therapy and Wellness
It can help with
Injury Recovery
Recover from injuries and surgeries with personalized treatment plans designed to restore mobility and function.
Pain Management
Manage and alleviate pain through evidence-based techniques and therapeutic exercises.
Preventative Care
Take proactive steps to prevent injuries and maintain peak physical condition with our preventive care programs and movement screen analyses.
Performance Optimization
Enhance your athletic performance and achieve your goals through specialized strengthening, endurance, and rehabilitation programs.
Chronic Condition Management
Manage chronic conditions and pain with skilled training on modalities, exercises, and lifestyle modifications to decrease symptoms and independently control severity of flare-ups
Wellness and Lifestyle
Improve your overall physical and mental health with evidence-based holistic approaches to health and lifestyle management.
I believe that the traditional model of physical therapy is limited by restrictions in reimbursement and the number of visits insurance is willing to cover. My goal is to see patients as soon as an injury occurs or is flared up to accelerate their return to their hobbies and daily activities as soon as possible.
​I take a holistic approach taking in consideration lifestyle factors including sleep and nutrition to design an effective treatment plan for you and refer you to appropriate clinicians for interventions outside my scope of practice.
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Do you have an initial appointment scheduled somewhere else but have to wait weeks or months to get seen? I would be happy to book a free consultation call to determine if PT or performance and wellness therapy is right for you. I want to help you kickstart your healing process or health journey.